Visiting Strouds Run State Park Near Athens, Ohio

Camping, Fishing, Boating, Hiking, Picnicking and More

Strouds Run State Park is a large and scenic park situated in rolling forested hills. Offering more than 2,500 acres of land for public enjoyment, Strouds Run State Park is a great Ohio State Park that is overshadowed by Hocking Hills State Park and other more famous parks in the area. In many areas of Strouds Run State Park, visitors are more likely to spot a deer, squirrel, or even a beaver than they are to spot another human. Strouds Run State Park also provides about 150 acres of water for those who enjoy to fish, sunbathe, swim, canoe, or kayak.

Strouds Run State Park is located closely to Ohio University in Athens making it a good place to relax from the rigors of college life or to exercise in a peaceful setting. Scattered picnic tables and acres of quiet forest make a good location to study and the nice beach in the park provides great, low cost recreation. For those coming into the area from farther away will want to stock up on needed items in Athens as it is the last city of much size near the park.

The campground at Strouds Run State Park provides about 80 camp sites. These camping sites are pretty basic, but the nice setting makes up for it. Sites are surrounded by trees and naturally occurring flowering plants (in the right season). Some sites are located next to a small stream which adds more charm and soft background music for those camping nearby.

Strouds Run State Park encircles Dow Lake. Dow Lake is a man made impoundment that allows boats with motors up to 10 horsepower (check with the park for up to date restrictions). Strouds Run State Park offers a boat ramp on Dow Lake, as well as provides canoe and other small boat rentals at the lake side concession stand. A beach area is also located on the lake.

Dow Lake is a nice place to fish with an irregular shaped bank and numerous small feeders streams. These allow for a lot of structure for fisherman. And in many places the forest meets the lake giving some shade for bank fisherman and those in small boats near the shore. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish are just some of the more popular game fish in Dow Lake.